Life Skills - Things Everyone Should Know How To Do

Updated on July 6, 2013

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One day, I came to a dreary conclusion: I had no skills. That realization led to the creation of this (super) useful and practical article. I felt that these were things that everyone should know how to do, or in my case, learn how to do. If you are in a similar situation that I found myself in, this article may help you out too.

1. How to tie a tie

For me, reading a step by step process was almost useless when it came to learning how to tie a tie. Some things are more easily learned if you can see it being done. The video shows how to tie a Four-in-hand knot, the Half Windsor knot, and the Full Windsor knot.

4. How to braid

Whether your a girl or guy, everyone should know how to braid. I learned how to braid using string, so we'll stick with that method for teaching purposes.

Gather three pieces of string or ribbon and tie them together with one knot.

Separate the three strands equally apart from each other.

Starting with the right string, place it in the middle, in between the first two.

Then take the left string, and place it in between the other two strands.

Then repeat the process on the right side again, then the left, until you have a braid.

5. How to check your oil

Pop the hood of your car and prop it up with the bar. The dip stick will look like a little colored cap attached to a foot long metal stick.

Pull up on the colored cap, pulling out the dip stick from your car, and wipe it clean with a paper towel.

Feed the dip stick back into the hole until it can't go further.

Remove the stick again to see where the oil level comes to on the stick. There should be some indicator on the stick as to where the oil level should come to. The oil line should not be over the indicating mark on the stick.

6. How to give a compliment

Be sincere.

Be authentic.

Be specific.

Show your appreciation for that person.

7. How to read a map and know basic geography

How To Read a MapFunny thing about maps...besides the impossibility of re-folding them correctly...they are one of the oldest navigation tools around, and yet, still some of the newest. New types are always being developed. ...

8. How to read a face clock

This link below is fantastic. Even if you know darn well how to tell time, the link is worth a click anyway...

Telling Time GamesFully animated site here children learn to tell time the easy way. Learning to tell time is made fun. With time games, time quizzes and telling time worksheets.

9. How to eat healthy

Eating healthy is mostly about eating enough of the right stuff, in the correct portion sizes. Too much of any one thing is never good (except if it's chocolate... just kidding).

Eating Healthier without NoticingOne of the largest barriers to eating healthy is the conception that you'll have to eat foods that you don't like, or foods that don't "taste right." For instance, without fail, every time I tell someone I...

10. How to pump your own gas

In states like Oregon and New Jersey, you cannot pump your own gas. You're thinking, "awesome!" But even if you live in those states, you should still know how to do it yourself.

Stop smoking, turn off your engine, and put away your cell phone. All these things have been know to cause fires at the pump.

If you want to pay with a credit card, swipe away! The machine may ask for your zip code. If you're paying with cash, look at what number pump you are at, walk inside, and say you want X amount of money put down on pump # whatever. Pay up, and go back to the pump.

Open up the door covering your gas cap, and unscrew the gas cap lid. There is usually a slot to put the gas cap on on the inside of the little door.

Take the nozzle off the rack and put the it into the gas tank.

Select the type of gas you want by pushing the button next to the type you want. Sometimes you may have to life a lever.

Press the handle on the gass nozzle to start pumping. Most of the time, you can lift the small metal latch to keep the handle compressed, so you don't have to hold it the entire time.

Once your tank is full, the handle will release, and the gas will stop pumping.

Replace the gas pump back in its holder.

Screw your gas cap back in place until you hear a click and close the door on the gas tank.

Sometimes the machine will ask if you want a receipt, so select yes or no, and away you go!

12. How to start a lawn mower

13. How to Build a Fire

For outdoor fires, sweep the area clear of any brush you don't want caught on fire.

Gather DRY wood of various sizes.

Lay 2 pieces of wood side by side, about a foot apart. Then stack 2 more pieces across the original 2, making a square. Continue till you have your desired height. Place smaller twigs, sticks, and newspaper in between the layers and in the center of the pile. Light the smaller pieces of wood and paper with a match.

Another way would be to stand the pieces of chopped wood up on their ends, with the tops meeting in the middle of the bundle, tepee style. Place paper, twigs, and smaller sticks in the center, and light.

Always have water or fire extinguisher close at hand to be safe.

Break out those marshmallows.

14. How to hem a pair of pants

How To Hem A GarmentA hem is a finish for a raw edge of a garment. A hem can be made in various widths. Usually 1- 3 inches works with most garments. The hem finish and width depends on the fabric and the style of the garment....

15. How to Parallel Park

Line up the tires of your car parallel with the tires of the car in front of the spot you want to pull into.

Crank your wheel all the way to the right (or in the direction of the spot you want to pull into) and ease off your brake.

Once your front wheels are parallel with the back wheels of the car in front of your spot, begin the turn your steering wheel the the left, to straighten out into your parking spot.

Once you are safely in the parking spot, you may need to pull forward or back up, to get your car in the middle of the spot.

17. How to swim

learn how to swimThere are many reasons that adults are scared of the water. And each persons reason is completely different. Inexperienced swimmers want to gain confidence in the water without to much stress and anxiety. When people panic in the water it is very...

18. How to pick out fruit

The most important things to consider when picking out a good piece of fruit are

Smell: does the apple smell like an apple? If not, it may have too much wax covering and pesticides will cling to wax.

Feel: does the avacado feel like an avacado? It should not be firm like an apple, but fairly soft, although not squishy.

Look: do the strawberries look like strawberries? Are they bright red (best) or slightly lighter in color(will not have the best flavor)?

19. How to properly wash your hands

Turn the water to the warmest temperature that's comfortable for you.

Lather up your hands, washing the front and back, each finger, nail beds, and wrists. You should spend 20-30 seconds doing this, minimum.

Grab a paper or clean cloth towel and dry your hands.

Then, using the towel, turn off the water. Try to use the towel to grab the doorknob as well. Your shirt works too :)

20. How to drive a car

Driving with Automatic TransmissionIn the past month, it was the only time I started to drive a car with automatic transmission. I have been used to driving vehicles with manual transmission for more than 30 years. The reason I did not like cars with automatic transmission is...

Highway Driving TipsDo you have a fear of driving in the highway? Do you plan out the routes you will be taking on your way to office or somewhere else so that you can evade the highway roads completely? If you think about...

21. How to make small talk

Everybody will have to do this at one point or another, but it doesn't have to be a grating experience. Here are some hints to make small talk actually enjoyable.

Ask people about themselves. People love to talk about their own lives, so this is a great way to get the conversation flowing.

Focus on topics that actually interest you or that you care about. No need to talk about something that has no meaning for you.

Try to keep it fun, light, and interesting.

Stay off serious topics like politics, religion, personal matters, or other divisive or intrusive topics.

22. How to do CPR

Performing CPRHow you always wanted to learn CPR and get certified? Well I can teach you the basic steps of CPR but I cannot give you a certificate. However when you do go and get certified, which I know you all will, then...

27. How to tie a knot

28. How to Wrap A Gift

29. How to play checkers

How to Play Checkers for BeginnersPeople all over world play checkers. In England and some other countries it's called draughts, but it's still the same game. Checkers is a simple game that is quite popular, especially with old men and school children. If you don't know how to...

30. How to use a computer

How to teach your grandma to use the computerWouldn't it be nice if you could communicate with your grandma via e-mail? This hub gives you some tips and advice on how to teach your grandma to use the computer, so she will be able to follow your adventures online while you are traveling around t

31. How to remove a stain

Check this handy dandy site to find out how to get rid of pesky stains...

32. How to set the table

Unique Table Setting IdeasPlanning a party is usually all about the foodplanning the menu, making the orders, choosing the silverware and china. Often, the hosts are so busy planning other details that the table itself is left to...

Setting a Table For Any OccasionUnless you live like a hermit and eat take-out every day, you are going to want to have people over to your house and entertain once in a while. One of the most important aspects of having people over is...

33. How to Exercise

Different Kinds of Exercises For Beginners Exercise is always good for us since it brings about several positive effects, both physically and psychologically. It is recommended that everyone should exercise at least 30 minutes daily for good health....

34. How to use a compass

How to Use and Read a CompassA compass is a wonderful tool for finding your way around those compass points that so confuse many people. In fact, if you are traveling any distance off the beaten path and without a GPS device, it is...

35. How to make a bed

The Proper Way for How to Make Your BedAlmost everyone likes to crawl into a well-made bed at the end of the day. Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with getting into an unmade bed. But there's something about peeling the covers down off...

How to tie your shoes really fast!

36. How to tie your shoes

Yes, There is a Better Way to Tie Your ShoeIf you're like most people, your shoes can occasionally come untied on their own. Or it might happen quite often, depending on the type of laces, and the types of activity. Chances are, it happens when...

37. How to iron your clothes

How to iron your clothes, quickly and easilyIroning clothes is a simple and easy task. There are a few important points to keep in mind when ironing that will help you look your best and avoid damage to your clothing. The first thing to remember...

38. How to budget your money

Personal Finance for BeginnersOk, so this is just a skeleton of some tips for personal finance, for single or married people, not necessarily in order. 1. Have a written budget. I don't care if you think you have your budget in your...

Making a Budget for BeginnersSo you want to have a written budget? Well, good. That is the first step to getting your finances in good, working order. If you haven't read my personal finance for beginners hub, you may want to read that....

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Comments 11 comments

Anonymous 3 years ago

I'm really happy now! I knew how to do 31 of these things and I've just turned 15! Obviously, I don't know how to drive, but even I know how to pump gas into a car. I don't know wether I can build a fire, use a compass or tie a tie, since I've never done it in real life and only know the theory. Living in the city, I haven't got a clue how to start a lawn-mower.

eric186 4 years ago

Life and everything in it is a gift from the infinite mind;

and the only way that life can go wrong is by the limited finite mind

em_saenz 4 years ago from Europe

Wowee. This is an awesome hub!

MsDora 4 years ago from The Caribbean

So I still have some things to learn. Thanks for sharing with instructions. Very useful.

freecampingaussie 4 years ago from Southern Spain

Lol, Great hub - we wore ties in high school so had to know that = So many need to be taught basic skills that their parents should have taught them . I changed my cars oil , checked tyres yet some guys had no idea how to !

princesswithapen 4 years ago

I'm sure everyone can relate this hub to the time when they first moved out of home. We often take some of the most basic life skills for granted, only to be stumped when we need them on an individual level. Awesome hub, I'm sharing it!

Princesswithapen

frogyfish 5 years ago from Central United States of America

Informative hub here...and I did not know how to tie a tie either~ Thanks for all your tips here!

yenajeon 6 years ago from California

Amazing HUB!! I have never known how to tie a tie!

Granny's House 6 years ago from Older and Hopefully Wiser Time

Fun hub. Enjoyed reading it

cjcarter 6 years ago Author

Thanks Fullerman5000! Honestly, I didn't know how to do some of the things on this list until I researched them! But, shhhh, don't tell anyone :)

Fullerman5000 6 years ago from Louisiana, USA

Some of these things on the list i learned in Boy Scouts. Very useful tips. I bet most of these things on the list a lot of people don't know how to do. Great and fun hub.